The Colt 1862 Police Percussion Revolver is considered by many collectors as the epitome in development of the cap and ball revolvers. Manufactured from 1861 until approximately 1873, it was designed in response to the demand for pocket pistols by both civilians and the police force. One enduring legend states that 1862 Police Percussion Revolvers were particularly popular with Civil War Officers who, rather than using them in combat, relied on them as a defense against over-zealous surgeons determined on amputating a limb on the battlefield.